What are you willing to show to your child? What are you going to teach your child through you? Do you want to be credible?

The Best Way to Teach is to Model What You Preach

Parenting articles and books tell us that we should be role models for our kids. However, finding a reliable source on how we can become one is a challenge. Being a role model is not an easy task. It requires determination, self-control, self- reflection, and discipline.

One of best ways to become a role model is to simply practice what you preach. Obviously, you can’t tell your child not to smoke or drink when you smoke a pack a day or you have several drinks before going to bed. Likewise, you appear phoney to your kids if you advise not to use foul language when you criticize or verbally abuse your spouse at dinner table.

Your Teachings Should be Followed by Action

“Talk is cheap,” as saying goes. Your advice is of most value to your children if you back your pronouncements with action. I know a father who preaches to his children not to punch back if they are hurt by a playmate but same father never hesitates to grab his kitchen knife every time his neighbour in same apartment building makes a noise.

Show your children behaviour that you want them to show to others. Talk way you want them to talk to others.

If you want your child to practice self-control, then you have to show self-control yourself. If you expect household rules to be followed, then don’t violate these rules yourself.

Don’t Preach Anything that You are Willing to Violate

Decorating for holidays is a fun and exciting way to bring holiday cheer to your home. But, it can also be very expensive. Over years, I have used many of ideas below to save money and spruce up my holiday decor.

Halloween

Use tin cans for eerie jack-o-lantern luminaries. Before you throw those cans away, make more use of them. Poke holes in them in a scary face design and then use tealights or votive candles for lighting. These are great for indoors or out.

Paint empty coffee cans to look like witches, goblins, ghosts, pumpkins. They look adorable and are great for holding, snacks, treats, etc.

Use pieces of plywood to make scary headstones for your yard!

Thanksgiving

Make a beautiful Thanksgiving centerpiece, with a pretty birch log. Drill holes in log for autumn leaves/branches, birds. Be creative and add what you like. This is a great idea for a Christmas one as well. You could also use a pumpkin for a pretty Thanksgiving or Halloween centerpiece.

Fill baskets with leaves, mini pumpkins, guords, acorns, and other natural autumn items.